Why I am a big fan of high automotive tech.

D

DJ

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Re: Why I am a big fan of high automotive tech.

JasonJ, made a point.

However, I have NEVER found a point where technology was a hindrance.

I consider myself an expert driver. I have NEVER had a ticket, or accident, in over over 1.2 Million miles of "company" driving. (24 years of: "on the road") The same goes for "personal" driving.

I AM VERY proud of that.

I've driven well over the posted speed limit, over 120 MPH, yet, I pick my spots carefully, as to not endanger others.

I base the the "non ticket" record on:

1. Not being-STUPID.

2. Don't drive when impaired.

3. Understand the limitaitions, of your equipment.

4. SLOW is NOT BAD. SLOW avoids accidents.

Accidents are accidents, however, most are avoidable.

The "new" technology is nothing less than awesome.

THe vehicles I drive have all of it. I make sure to check those boxes, when ordering. It's more important to me than a "bitchen" sound system.

In conclusion, I can outdrive most drivers in a 60's vintage performance car even if the competion is in new tech. modern cars.. Why? Because I understand the dynamics. Video games don't provide that.

Todays society has expected/mandated "idiot proof" vehicles. Unfortunately, the "idiot proof" comes at a price.

I think JB would be fine in a 60's version of his vehicle.
 
B

BF

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Joined
Apr 8, 2003
Messages
1,489
Re: Why I am a big fan of high automotive tech.

As for Jason's point.. I'm not sure that the technology of the car is responsible for bad driving habits... The mustang that cut JB off probably had it's share of safety features too, but none could override the bad judgement (or lack of attention) of the driver. Maybe the technology most to blame would be the cell phone in her hand. Certainly I think there are more idiot drivers on the road now than ever before.

I wasn't too fond of ABS and full-range traction control at first, it seemed like it was too involved in driving the car in the winter... But then I upgraded to true winter tires for the cold months. Turned out the real problem wasn't the ABS, it was how lousy the all season tires were on ice/slush/snow. Now I think the tires are at least, if not more important than the ABS system. With decent traction the ABS system doesn't bother me any more in the winter than it does in the summer (which is not at all). I'm very happy that it is there for the panic-stop situation, but it never kicks in during regular driving. I can recall 2 situations on glare ice where keeping steering capability kept me out of harm's way when bad things were happening around me. Dunno if I could have done as well without ABS.

What I don't like about the technology is how the high tech cars of today will end up being disposible because once these sensors etc start failing, there won't be enough expertise (or will) to diagnose and fix/replace them properly.

I saw a news article about how a new (few month old) BMW sedan was being written off because the kid (driving his Dad's car) lost control and went into a shallow grassy ditch. No rollover or anything, just weird G-forces enough to trip the air bags. There was little, if any other damage to the car (2 scuffed rims I think). Turned out the car's systems were too new/sophisticated to be serviced locally (not even the BMW shops). It was cheaper for the insurance co. to write off the car, than to ship it out and have all them airbags replaced at the one shop in Canada able to do it.

When a shop can't even diagnose a Check engine light properly with all the computer equipment they have (in my experience), it makes me shudder to think how car service will be with all the other "stuff" they have now.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Why I am a big fan of high automotive tech.

Yes, DJohns. I drove two different Mercedes Diesels in the 60s.

While they were very nimble and controllable cars which never got me in trouble I think they would be dangerous on todays superhighways and at todays speeds. I don't remember them being able to exceed 70, and it took a mile to get to 70.

I also drove two '54 Ford station wagons that were pretty good and a 1966 Chrysler Town and Country wagon that was a disaster looking for a place to happen. Terrible brakes, terrible handling, too much power (440 6pack) for the chassis, brakes and suspension.

I gave the Chrysler to a guy for a '54 Ford Ranchwagon and a few bux after owning it only a year.

Loved those '54 Fords as well as the "MerceDiesels", but nobody has yet offered me something I would like better than "Ole Blue".
 
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